Support assembly for mounting structures onto vertically disposed objects including televisions and video monitors

ABSTRACT

A support assembly includes (i) a stand having an underside surface configured to be placed on top of a flat screen device and an upper surface configured to support at least one object; (ii) a mount secured to the underside surface of the stand, the mount presenting a first ratchet ring; (iii) an arm presenting a second ratchet ring; (iv) a fastener positioned and arranged to connect the arm to the mount, causing the first ratchet ring to engage the second ratchet ring, setting the arm at an angle so that a free end of the arm engages the flat screen device while the stand extends at least substantially horizontally from the top of the flat screen device; and (v) wherein the mount is threaded to threadingly engage the fastener.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application claims priority to and the benefit as acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/119,300,entitled “Support Assembly Mountable On Vertically Disposed Objects,Such as Televisions and Video Monitors”, filed Aug. 31, 2018, whichclaims priority to and the benefit as a continuation application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/588,768, issued as U.S. Pat. No.10,066,783, entitled “Support Assembly For Vertically Disposed Objects,Such As Televisions and Video Monitors”, filed Jan. 2, 2015, issued Sep.4, 2018, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein byreference and relied upon in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to stands or shelving. Morespecifically, the present disclosure relates to a stand or shelf forvertically disposed objects, such as televisions and video monitors.

The use of flat screen televisions is ever-increasing. Seemingly all newtelevisions will eventually be flat screens. Flat screen technology hasalso become standard for computer monitors. Moreover, flat screentechnology has become very pervasive in the workplace, includingindividual work stations sometimes employing multiple computer monitors,large video monitors for meetings and conference calls, and videoconferencing.

Older televisions often had a flat horizontal top surface. The flat topsurface was often used to place and house pictures, television remotecontrols, ornaments and the like. The flat top surface was veryconvenient because it sat directly above the typical focal point of theroom, namely, the television screen. Flat screen televisions and videomonitors, by definition, do not have flat horizontal top surfaces. Flatscreen televisions and video monitors instead have thin horizontalborders that cover the top of the video screen and associatedelectronics located behind the screen.

There is accordingly a need for a stand or shelf that provides a flathorizontal surface along the top of a flat screen device, such as,televisions, computer monitors, video monitors and the like. As isknown, flat screens can be stand-supported or be wall mounted. There isa need accordingly for a stand or shelf that provides a flat horizontalsurface along the top of either a stand-supported or a wall mounted flatscreen device.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a support assembly that forms a flathorizontal supporting surface along the top of any flat screen device,such as, televisions, computer monitors, video monitors and the like.The support assembly includes a stand that extends horizontally at thetop of the flat screen devices. The user can place one or more objectson the stand, such as speaker or other electronic device, remotecontrol, picture, ornament, book, supply, plants etc. The stand includesmounting holes that enable the stand to be connected to one or moremount. The mount includes a mounting flange and a ratchet base extendingperpendicularly from the mounting flange. The mounting flange includesmounting holes that match the hole pattern formed in the stand. Theratchet base includes, defines, connects to or mates with a ratchetring.

The support assembly also includes an arm that is placed in ratchetedcommunication with the ratchet ring of the mount. The arm includes acircular base and a member that extends from the circular base. Thecircular base includes, defines, connects to or mates with a secondratchet ring. The ratchet ring of the arm is placed in ratchetcommunication with the ratchet ring of the mount. The circular baseincludes or defines a hole that allows a torque screw or fastener to fitthrough the arm and connect to the mount to secure the two ratchet ringstogether, so that the arm extends at a desired angle relative to thestand. The torque screw can thread into the mount or extend through themount and thread into a nut or threaded bracket placed on the oppositeside of the mount from its ratchet ring.

The user rotates the arm to a desired angle relative to the stand andthen tightens the fastener or torque screw so that the two ratchet ringslock together. The desired angle causes the stand of the assembly to sithorizontally on top of the flat screen device. A spring is compressedwhen the ratchet rings lock together to maintain tension on theratcheted connection. The stand at its front end includes a downwardlybent flange that catches the top front bezel of the flat screen devicewhen the arm contacts the rear of the flat screen device. Rotating thearm to an angle α more away from being straight down (270°) causes therear end of the stand to sit elevationally higher. Rotating the arm toan angle α closer to being straight down (270°) causes the rear end ofthe stand to sit at an elevationally lower position. The ratchet ringsprovide a high degree of adjustability, allowing the user to select anangle α that allows the stand to reside at least substantiallyhorizontally at the top of the flat screen device.

The arm at its distal end includes a cap that abuts against the back ofthe flat screen device when the support assembly is placed on top of theflat screen device.

The support assembly in one embodiment provides a quickdisconnect/reconnect feature in the form of a cammed lever. The cammedlever includes a dual-lobed cammed head and a handle arm extendingintegrally from, formed with, or attached to the cammed head. The duallobes of cammed head each define a circular aperture that receives acylindrical female threaded nut. The threaded nut receives a malethreaded stud of the torque or fastener between the lobes of the cammedhead. The dual lobes of cammed head each have a larger radius in alocking direction and a smaller radius in a loosening direct. The userturns the handle arm of the cammed lever in a first direction so thatthe smaller radius faces the elongated arm of the support assembly,loosening the ratchet rings, and allowing the elongated arm to be set toa desired angle α. The user then turns the handle arm of the cammedlever in the opposite direction, so that the larger radius faces theelongated arm of the support assembly, tightening the ratchet ringstogether, and locking the elongated arm at the desired angle α.

The assembly can employ one, two or more ratcheted arms to providewhatever support is needed. Using two or more ratcheted arms allows forthe stand to be elongated to support multiple objects, or a singleelongated object, such as a sound bar. The topper is easy to install andadjust. The parts making up the support assembly can be made of anycombination of metal, plastic, rubber or wood. The parts can be machinedor molded. For example, the ratchet rings can be molded plastic piecesthat abut up against the mount and the arm, respectively.

It is therefore an advantage of the present disclosure to provide asupport assembly that forms a flat horizontal supporting surface alongthe top of any flat screen device, such as, televisions, computermonitors, video monitors and the like.

It is another advantage of the present disclosure to provide a supportassembly that forms a flat horizontal surface along the top of aself-supported or wall mounted flat screen device.

It is a further advantage of the present disclosure to provide a supportassembly that forms a flat horizontal surface along the top of a flatscreen device, and which is adjustable without the use of externaltools.

It is yet another advantage of the present disclosure to provide asupport assembly having a quick disconnect/reconnect feature.

Moreover, it is an advantage of the present disclosure to provide asupport assembly that forms a flat horizontal surface along the top of aflat screen device, and which is easy to install.

Further still, it is an advantage of the present disclosure to provide asupport assembly that forms a flat horizontal surface along the top of aflat screen device, and which is sturdy and can support a reasonableamount of weight.

Still further, it is an advantage of the present disclosure to provide asupport assembly that forms a flat horizontal surface along the top of aflat screen device, and which is highly adjustable

Additional features and advantages of the present invention aredescribed in, and will be apparent from, the following DetailedDescription of the Invention and the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a supportassembly of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view of one embodiment of a supportassembly of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of one embodiment of a support assemblyof the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates various loose parts of one embodiment for the supportassembly of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of the supportassembly being used with a flat screen device.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of thesupport assembly being used with a flat screen device.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of asupport assembly of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an assembled perspective view of a further alternativeembodiment of a support assembly of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of yet a further embodiment of asupport assembly of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1 to 4, oneembodiment for a support assembly 10 a is illustrated. Support assembly10 a in the illustrated embodiment includes a stand 20, a mount 30connected to stand 20, an arm 40 that is placed in ratchetedcommunication with mount 30, a fastener or torque screw 50 forselectively tightening and loosening arm 40 to mount 30, and a bracket60 for threadingly engaging torque screw 50. Each of stand 20, mount 30,arm 40, torque screw 50 and bracket 60 can be made of metal (e.g.,steel, stainless steel, aluminum), plastic (e.g., polypropylene,polyethylene, polycarbonate), rubber, wood, composite materials, and anycombination thereof.

Stand 20 includes a top plate 22 and a front flange 24 extending from orconnected to top plate 22. Top plate 22 and front flange 24 can be forexample about 0.125 inch (3.2 mm) thick or thicker if desired. Frontflange 24 is placed in front of the flat screen device, such as, atelevision, computer monitor, video monitor, etc. Front flange 24accordingly does not extend too far downwardly, so as not to block theviewing of the image displayed on the flat screen device. Top plate 22in one embodiment is six inches (15.2 cm) wide (dimension extendingalong top of the flat screen device) and 5.5 inches (14.0 cm) deep(dimension extending from back of the flat screen device). Top plate 22can have different widths and depths, e.g., can have a twelve inch (30.4cm) double width and two or more ratcheting subassemblies to support thelarger width as illustrated below.

Top plate 22 and front flange 24 are metal or plastic in one embodimentand are provided respectively with top surface padding 26 a, bottomsurface padding 26 b and inner flange surface padding 26 c. Padding 26a, 26 b, and 26 c can be a softer metal, plastic, covered foam, coveredsponge, rubber, foam rubber, wood, or combinations thereof. In anembodiment padding 26 a, 26 b and 26 c is adhered to, heat sealed to,sprayed onto and/or mechanically attached to the respective matingsurfaces of top plate 22 and front flange 24. Padding 26 a, 26 b, and 26c helps to prevent scratching of the flat screen device. Padding 26 a,26 b, and 26 c also helps to prevent objects set onto top plate 22 fromscratching the top plate, and may also help to prevent the objects fromslipping.

FIG. 4 illustrates that stand 20 includes or defines mounting holes 28.The illustrated embodiment shows three holes, wherein the middle hole isoffset from the outer mounting holes, which helps to prevent mount 30from pivoting under load in any direction relative to stand 20. Stand 20can have alternative numbers and configurations for mounting holes 28,and have additional holes, e.g., for routing electrical cords and wires.

Mount 30 includes a mounting flange 32 a and a ratchet base 32 b. In oneembodiment mounting flange 32 a and ratchet base 32 b are bent or formedfrom the same piece of metal or plastic forming mount 30. In anotherembodiment, mounting flange 32 a and ratchet base 32 b are separatepieces that are secured together, e.g., via welding, adhesive, and/orvia mechanical securement. Mounting flange 32 a and ratchet base 32 bcan be made of a thicker material than for stand 20, e.g., on the orderof 0.125 inch (3.2 mm) thick to 0.375 inch (9.5 mm) thick.

Ratchet base 32 b includes or defines a center hole 34 for receiving thethreaded stud 54 of torque screw 50 or fastener. Center hole 34 can be athrough-hole sized to allow the threaded stud 54 of torque screw 50 topass through. Center hole 34 can alternatively be female threaded tothreadingly engage the male threads of the threaded stud 54 of torquescrew 50.

Ratchet base 32 b also includes, defines or attaches to a circular setof ratchets 36, which engage mating ratchets of arm 40. Individualratchets 36 have a triangular cross-section in one embodiment and aredisposed radially about a center point to form a circle or ring.Ratchets 36 extend outwardly from a base portion of ratchet base 32 b ina same direction as the direction in which mounting flange 32 a extendsfrom ratchet base 32 b of mount 30.

In one embodiment, ratchets 36 or ratchet ring 36 is a separate plasticor metal piece that abuts up against ratchet base 32 b of mount 30. Forexample, separate ratchet ring 36 can be a molded plastic piece made ofany of the plastics listed above, or of a tougher plastic, such asTeflon. In another embodiment, ratchets 36 or ratchet ring 36 is formedwith ratchet base 32 b and mount 30. For example, ratchet ring 36 can bemachined from the same piece of metal with ratchet base 32 b to formmount 30. Or, ratchet ring 36 can be formed from the same plastic moldas ratchet base 32 b to form mount 30. FIG. 4 illustrates ratchet ring36 both as a separate, stand alone, piece and as formed with ratchetbase 32 b.

Mounting flange 32 a and ratchet base 32 b of mount 30 each definemounting holes 38, and in the illustrated embodiment, define threemounting holes 38. The mounting holes 38 of mounting flange 32 a(illustrated best in FIGS. 1 and 2) are spaced apart so as to matchmounting holes 28 defined in top plate 22 of stand 20. Mounting holes 38and mounting holes 28 can each be through holes for receiving bolts thatare fastened via separate nuts to tighten mount 30 against stand 20.Alternatively, either mounting holes 38 or mounting holes 28 arethreaded to threadingly receive bolts or fasteners to tighten mount 30against stand 20. In an embodiment, mounting holes 38 are threaded, andthe holes of padding 26 a that made the holes 28 of stand 20 areenlarged to allow bolt heads sit down into the padding, so that the boltheads do not reside above padding 26 a and interrupt the supportingsurface of stand 20. In various alternative embodiments, mount 30 can bepermanently welded to or formed with stand 20.

The mounting holes 38 of ratchet base 32 b of mount 30 can likewise beeither through holes or be threaded. FIG. 4 illustrates that the top twomounting holes 38 of ratchet base 32 b extend all the way throughratchet base 32 b of leg 32 b. If ratchet ring 36 is a separate piece,the bottom mounting hole 38 of mount 30 also extends all the way throughratchet base 32 b. If ratchet ring 36 is formed as part of or integrallywith mount 30, then bottom hole 38 of mount 30 is a blind hole that doesnot extend through the integrally formed ratchet ring 36 of mount 30.

If center hole 34 of ratchet base 32 b of mount 30 is a through hole,then bracket 60 can be provided, wherein the center hole 62 of bracket60, which aligns with center hole 34 of mount 30, is threaded tothreadingly receive the threaded stud 54 of torque screw or fastener 50.Bracket 60 in turn includes mounting holes 68, which align with themounting holes 38 of ratchet base 32 b. Mounting holes 68 of bracket 60and mounting holes 38 of ratchet base 32 b can both be through holesthat accept bolts or fasteners, which in turn threadingly engage nuts tofasten bracket 60 to ratchet base 32 b of mount 30. Alternatively,either mounting holes 68 or mounting holes 38 are threaded tothreadingly engage bolts or fasteners to fasten bracket 60 to ratchetbase 32 b of mount 30.

If center hole 34 of ratchet base 32 b of mount 30 is a threaded hole,then bracket 60 need not be provided, and thus mounting holes 38 ofratchet base 32 b need not be provided. Threaded center hole 34 ofratchet base 32 b now receives the threaded stud 54 of torque screw 50.In a further alternative embodiment, center hole 34 of ratchet base 32 bof mount 30 is a through hole, and a nut is welded to the side ofratchet base 32 b opposite to that of ratchets 36. Here again, bracket60 and mounting holes 38 ratchet base 32 b need not be provided. Thewelded nut instead receives the threaded stud 54 of torque screw 50.

Mount 30 mates with arm 40 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3. Arm includesa circular base 42 a and a member 42 b extending from base 42 a.Circular base 42 a includes or defines a hole or aperture 44 thatreceives the threaded stud 54 of torque screw 50. Fastener or torquescrew 50 abuts up against the side of circular base 42 a that opposesratchets or ratchet ring 46.

Just like with ratchets 36 or ratchet ring 36 of mount 30, in oneembodiment, ratchets 46 or ratchet ring 46 of arm 40 is a separateplastic or metal piece that abuts up against base 42 a of arm 40. Forexample, separate ratchet ring 46 can be a molded plastic piece made ofany of the plastics listed above, or of a tougher plastic, such asTeflon. Separate ratchets 36 and 46 can be the same pieces so that theymate together properly. In another embodiment, ratchets 46 or ratchetring 46 is formed with base 42 a and arm 40. For example, ratchet ring46 can be machined from the same piece of metal with base 42 a to formarm 40. Or, ratchet ring 46 can be formed from the same plastic mold asbase 42 a to form arm 40. Integrally formed ratchets 36 and 46 can havethe same size and number of individual ratchet peaks, so that they matetogether properly. FIG. 4 illustrates ratchet ring 46 both as aseparate, stand alone piece and as formed with circular base 42 b.

Ratchets 36 and 46 provide support assembly 10 a with a large amount ofadjustability. The user simply turns arm 40 until ratchets 36 and 46align at an angle, such that top plate 22 is relatively horizontal whenthe distal end of member 42 abuts the flat screen device.

Member 42 b extends from base 42 a a distance, such that the totallength of arm 40 is longer than the depth of top plate 22 in oneembodiment, which is illustrated in FIG. 3. That is, if top plate 22 is5.5 inches (14.0 cm) deep (dimension extending from the back of the flatscreen device), then the total length of arm 40 can be 6 inches (15.2cm) or longer. The length of member 42 b is the total length of arm 40less the diameter of circular base 42 a. FIG. 3 illustrates that member42 b can rotate to virtually any desired angle about hole or aperture 44and threaded stud 54.

Arm 40, (including member 42 b), like mounting flange 32 a and ratchetbase 32 b of mount 30, can be made of a thicker material, e.g., on theorder of 0.125 inch (3.2 mm) thick to 0.375 inch (9.5 mm) thick. Member42 b is substantially straight in the illustrated embodiment, but canhave a slight taper, such that member 42 b narrows as it extends fromcircular base 42 a to its distal end. As illustrated in FIG. 4, thedistal end of member 42 b can also be reduced in size to accommodate asoft cap 48, such as a rubber (e.g., silicone) or plastic cap (e.g., asofter plastic), so that arm 40 will not scrape or scratch the flatscreen device when abutted against the device. Soft cap 48 can bepress-fitted, adhered, and/or fastened mechanically to the distal end ofmember 42 b.

Fastener or torque screw 50 includes a knob or handle 52 connected to orformed with a threaded stud 54 discussed above. Handle 52 and stud 54can each be any of the metals or plastics discussed herein, orcombinations thereof. For example, handle can be polycarbonate, whilestud 54 can be steel, stainless steel or aluminum. Handle 52 can beknurled or have finger extensions and undulations, as illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 3. Threaded stud 54 can be of a relatively robust diameter,e.g., 0.25 inch (6.4 mm) to 0.500 inch (12.7 mm) or of a standard metricequivalent thread diameter, e.g., 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm,12 mm or 13 mm. The female thread of hole 34 or 64 is sized to match themale thread diameter and pitch of threaded stud 54.

FIG. 1 illustrates that a collar 70, and a spring 75 located withincollar 70, are in turn located within openings 34 and/or 44 of ratchetbase 32 b of mount 30 and/or base 42 a of arm 40, respectively. In anembodiment, collar 70 and spring 75 are located solely within opening 44in base 42 a of arm 40. Collar 70 can be metal or plastic, such asTeflon. Spring 75 is sized so that it (i) holds ratchet rings 36 and 46apart when fastener or torque screw 50 is loosened, and (ii) provides alock washer biasing effect when torque screw 50 is tightened so that arm40 is pressed firm and in a desired angular position against mount 30.Spring 75 is also sized so that it is not too difficult for the user tocompress the spring when tightening torque screw 50.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, examples of support assembly 10 a in useare illustrated. FIG. 5 illustrates that front flange 24 and support pad26 c are abutted against the top, front horizontal bezel 82 of flatscreen device 80, e.g., flat screen television, flat screen computermonitor, flat screen video monitor and the like, while free end or cap48 of arm 40 engages a rear surface of flat screen device 80. Frontflange 24 is sized so as not to extend down over a screen 84 of flatscreen device 80. Member 42 b of arm 40 is rotated from a straightvertical position (270°) to a desired position or angle α (about 245° inthe illustrated example), so that top plate 22 of stand 20 resides atleast substantially horizontally relative to flat screen device 80. Atthe desired angle, the user locks ratchet 46 against ratchet 36, usingtorque screw or fastener 50. The user can later unscrew fastener 50 toset support assembly 10 a at a difference angle for a different device80, or disassemble support assembly 10 a, e.g., for transport.

It should be appreciated that rotating member 42 b of arm 40 towards thestraight vertical position (270°) would lower the rear end 29 of topplate 22 relative to the top of flat screen device 80 in FIG. 5.Rotating member 42 b of arm 40 further away from the straight verticalposition (270°) in FIG. 5 would raise the rear end 29 of top plate 22relative to the top of flat screen device 80. Providing ratchet rings 36and 46 with many individual ratchets or teeth, e.g., seventy-tworatchets or teeth, allows for a fine adjustment of the rear end 29 oftop plate 22, so that top plate 22 can be made at least substantiallyhorizontal regardless of the backside configuration of flat screendevice 80. Generally, “flatter” backside configurations for devices 80will require that rotating member 42 b be rotated further away from thestraight vertical position (270°), while bulkier backside configurationsfor devices 80 will require that rotating member 42 b be rotated closerto the straight vertical position (270°). In any case, soft cap 48 atthe end of arm 40 provides for scratchless contact with flat screendevice 80. Soft cap 48 in an embodiment also has a relatively highcoefficient of friction, which helps to keep support assembly 10 a fromslipping against flat screen device 80.

FIG. 6 illustrates an object 90 placed on top plate 22 of stand 20. Inan embodiment, support assembly 10 a (and each of the assemblies 10 a to10 c described herein) can support at least twenty lbs. (44 kg). It isexpressly contemplated to size top plate 22 so as to support speakersand sound bars, which can be difficult to locate, especially when flatscreen device 80 is wall mounted. Also, mounting speakers above atelevision is advantageous because most of the sound in a televisionvideo emanates from the top third of the screen. FIG. 6 illustrates thatobject 90 has a cord 92 that fits through one of the mounting holes 28of top plate 22. Here, one of the mounting holes 28 is not used forfastening to mount 30 and instead accepts and directs cord 92 of object90. Plate 22 alternatively provides one or more hole or aperture (notillustrated), in addition to mounting holes 28, for accepting a cord 92.Further alternatively, rear end 29 of top plate 22 includes or definesone or more clip (not illustrated) for clipping, holding and routing oneor more cord 92 of object.

Referring now to FIG. 7, an alternative support assembly 10 b isillustrated. Alternative support assembly 10 b includes many of the samefeatures as support assembly 10 a, including stand 20, having top plate22, front flange 24, padding 26 a to 26 c and all of the materials,structure and alternatives for same discussed above. Stand 20 of supportassembly 10 b also includes a rear flange 28 located at rear end 29.Rear flange 28 provides additional rigidity to top plate 22 and stand20. Rear flange 28 can be bent upwardly instead of downwardly asillustrated, so that rear flange 28 also helps to prevent object 90 fromsliding off of the rear end of stand 20. Rear flange 28 when bentupwards can also provide notches for holding and routing cords andwires.

Support assembly 10 b also includes an alternative mount 130 and analternative arm 140. Alternative mount 130 includes mounting flange 132a and ratchet base 132 b, and includes all of the materials, structureand alternatives for same discussed above for mount 30. Mounting flange132 a defines mounting holes as is the case with mounting holes 38 ofmounting flange 32 of mount 30. Ratchet base 132 b defines a threadedhole 134 for receiving torque screw or fastener 50. Threaded bracket 60(FIG. 1) is accordingly not needed with support assembly 10 b. If mount130 is a molded plastic piece, threaded hole 134 can be a metal insertpressed into ratchet base 132 b, so that the threads do not strip.Ratchet base 132 b also defines elongated holes or grooves 136 to removematerial, weight and cost from support assembly 10 b. Elongated holes orgrooves 136 in an embodiment also accept like shaped extensions (notseen in FIG. 7 but illustrated below in FIG. 9 as extensions 37)extending from the backside of ratchet ring 36, so that ratchet ring 36fits into ratchet base 132 b and therefore cannot rotated relative tobase 132 b. Ratchet base 132 b is illustrated as operating with aseparate ratchet ring 36 but can be formed alternatively with or bepermanently attached to ratchet ring 36 as discussed above for ratchetbase 32 b.

Alternative arm 140 includes a member 142 b extending from a circularratchet base 142 a, and includes all of the materials, structure andalternatives for same discussed above for arm 40. Circular base 142 adefines a through-hole 144 for accepting threaded stud 54 of torquescrew or fastener 50. Spring 75 fits primarily within knob or handle 52of torque screw 50. Ratchet ring 46 abuts up against the inner surfaceof circular base 142 a and is placed in ratcheted communication withratchet ring 36 when torque screw 50 is threaded into female threadedhole 134 of mount 130. Ratchet ring 46 can be formed with or bepermanently attached to circular base 142 a. Ratchet ring 46 isalternatively a separate piece, which can have extensions (not seen inFIG. 7 but illustrated below in FIG. 9 as extensions 47) on the surfaceopposite its ratcheted surface, that fit into mating grooves or holes(not seen in FIG. 7 but illustrated below in FIG. 9 as grooves or holes246) formed in circular base 142 a, so that separate ratchet ring 46fits into and cannot rotate relative to circular base 142 a of arm 140.Spring 75 acts as a lock washer to hold torque screw 50 tight whenratchet rings 36 and 46 are locked together.

Member 142 b in the illustrated embodiment has a slight taper, such thatmember 42 b narrows as it extends from circular base 142 a to its distalend. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the distal end of member 142 b extends toan integrally formed or molded cap 148, which here is shaped as aknurled wheel. Arm 140 can be any of the plastics discussed above,rubber (e.g., silicone), wood, or a metal having rounded edges, so thatarm 140 will not scrape or scratch flat screen device 80 when abuttedagainst the device. Cap 148 can alternatively be a separate piecepress-fitted, adhered, and/or fastened mechanically to the distal end ofmember 142 b.

FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 illustrate single arm versions of assemblies 10a and 10 b, wherein the single arms are at least approximately locatedside-to-side-wise in the center or middle of stand 20, so thatassemblies 10 a and 10 b are inherently balanced side-to-side-wise.Referring now to FIG. 8, an alternative multi-arm support assembly 10 cis illustrated. Alternative support assembly 10 c includes many of thesame features as support assembly 10 b, including mounts 130, arms 140,torque screws or fastener 50 and springs 75. Mounts 130, arms 140,torque screws 50 and springs 75 can be made of any of the materials,have any of the structure and any of the alternatives discussed above inconnection with assemblies 10 a and 10 b. The primary difference betweensupport assembly 10 c and assemblies 10 a and 10 b is that supportassembly 10 c includes multiple arms 140 and alternative stand 120having an elongated top plate 122, flange 124, and padding 126 a to 126c. Alternative stand 120 can be made of any of the materials, and haveany of the structures and alternatives discussed above for stand 20.Although not illustrated, stand 120 can have a rear flange, such as rearflange 28 of stand 20 of support assembly 10 b.

Elongated stand 120 is supported by two or more arms 140 as illustratedin FIG. 8. Mounts 130 can be alternated as illustrated, so that mountingflanges 132 a always point outwards towards the closer of the side edgesof stand 120. In one alternative embodiment, a connecting rod 156 isreleaseably secured within holes or slots 146 formed in members 142 b ofarms. Connecting rod 156 allows a user to rotate two or more arms 140and associated ratchets 46 at one time to a desired angle relative tofixed ratchets 36. Alternatively, connecting rod 156 is not provided andthe user instead rotates members 142 individually to the same desiredangle α, where ratchet rings 46 can then be tightened against ratchetrings 136. In any case, multiple arms support elongated stand 120, whichcan be sized for flat screen devices 80 up to eighty-five inches (216cm) or more. Elongated stand 120 can support multiple objects 90 or anelongated object 90, such as a sound bar.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a further alternative support assembly 10 d isillustrated. Alternative support assembly 10 d includes many of the samefeatures as support assembly 10 b (and 10 a), including stand 20, havingtop plate 22, front flange 24, padding 26 a to 26 c and all of thematerials, structure and alternatives for same discussed above. Stand 20of support assembly 10 d also includes rear flange 28 located at rearend 29, providing additional rigidity to top plate 22 and stand 20. Rearflange 28 can again be bent upwardly instead of downwardly asillustrated, so that rear flange 28 also helps to prevent object 90 fromsliding off of the rear end of stand 20. Rear flange 28 when bentupwards can also provide notches for holding and routing cords andwires.

Support assembly 10 d also includes mount 130 and an alternative arm240. Mount 130 includes mounting flange 132 a (not visible in FIG. 9)and ratchet base 132 b, and includes all of the materials, structure andalternatives for same discussed above for mount 30. Mounting flange 132a defines mounting holes as is the case with mounting holes 38 ofmounting flange 32 of mount 30. Ratchet base 132 b here defines athrough hole 134 for allowing threaded stud 54 of torque screw orfastener 50 to pass through ratchet base 132 b. Threaded bracket 60(FIG. 1) is not needed with support assembly 10 d. Ratchet base 132 balso defines elongated holes or grooves 136 to remove material, weightand cost from support assembly 10 b. Elongated holes or grooves 136 inan embodiment also accept like shaped extensions 37 extending from thebackside of ratchet ring 36, so that ratchet ring 36 fits into ratchetbase 132 b and therefore cannot rotated relative to base 132 b. Ratchetbase 132 b is illustrated as operating with a separate ratchet ring 36but can be formed alternatively with or be permanently attached toratchet ring 36 as discussed above for ratchet base 32 b.

Alternative arm 240 includes a member 242 b extending from a circularratchet base 242 a, and includes all of the materials, structure andalternatives for same discussed above for arms 40 and 140. Circular base242 a defines a through-hole 244 for accepting threaded stud 54 oftorque screw or fastener 50. Spring 75 again fits primarily within knobor handle 52 of torque screw 50. Ratchet ring 46 abuts up against theinner surface of circular base 242 a and is placed in ratchetedcommunication with ratchet ring 36 when torque screw 50 is threaded intoa cammed lever 250 discussed in more detail below. Ratchet ring 46 canbe formed with or be permanently attached to circular base 242 a.Ratchet ring 46 is alternatively a separate piece, which can haveextensions 47 on the surface opposite its ratcheted surface, that fitinto mating grooves or holes 246 formed in circular base 242 a, so thatseparate ratchet ring 46 fits into and cannot rotate relative tocircular base 242 a of arm 240. Spring 75 again acts as a lock washer tohold torque screw 50 and cammed lever 250 tight together, while ratchetrings 36 and 46 are locked together.

Member 242 b can again have a slight taper, such that member 242 bnarrows as it extends from circular base 242 a to its distal end. Asillustrated in FIG. 9, the distal end of member 242 b extends to anintegrally formed or molded cap 248. Member 242 b and cap 248 asillustrated have or include 90° bent or formed flanges, increasingrigidity. Arm 240 can be any of the plastics discussed above, rubber(e.g., silicone), wood, or a metal having bent or formed flanges, and besmooth so that arm 240 will not scrape or scratch flat screen device 80when abutted against the device. Cap 248 can alternatively be aseparate, soft piece press-fitted, adhered, and/or fastened mechanicallyto the distal end of member 242 b to further reduce scratching.

The primary difference with support assembly 10 d of FIG. 9 is theaddition of cammed lever 250. Cammed lever 250, including any of itscomponents, can be made of any of the plastics discussed above, rubber(e.g., silicone), wood, or any of the metals discussed above, such assteel, stainless steel or aluminum. Lever 250 includes a dual-lobedcammed head 252 and a handle arm 254 extending integrally from, formedwith, or attached to cammed head 252. The dual lobes of cammed head 252each define a circular aperture 256. Circular apertures 256 of the duallobes of cammed head 252 are aligned with each other.

The dual lobes of head 252 are cammed such that radius R1 illustrated inFIG. 9 is greater than radius R2. For example, radius R1 can be 5% to50% greater than radius R2. Cammed lever 250 includes a cylindrical nut258 that fits within circular apertures 256 defined by the dual lobes ofhead 252. Cylindrical nut 258 defines a female threaded hole 260 thatthreadingly receives threaded stud 54 of torque screw or fastener 50.Threaded hole 260 is placed in the longitudinal center of cylindricalnut 258, so that threaded hole 260 resides between the dual lobes ofhead 252 when cylindrical nut 258 is fully fitted into circularapertures 256 defined by the dual lobes of head 252. In this manner,threaded stud 54 can reach threaded hole 260 while cylindrical nut 258is fully fitted into the dual lobes of head 252.

A collar 270 is fitted between arm 240 and head 252 of cammed lever 250.Collar 270 can be made of any material discussed herein, e.g., any ofthe plastics discussed above, rubber (e.g., silicone), wood, or any ofthe metals discussed above, such as steel, stainless steel or aluminum.Collar 270 defines a through hole 272 through which threaded stud 54 oftorque screw or fastener 50 extends to reach threaded hole 260 ofcylindrical nut 258. Collar 270 defines plural notches 274 on its sideabutting arm 240, which receive extensions 47 of ratchet ring 46 thatextend through mating grooves or holes 246 formed in circular base 242a, so that collar 270 cannot rotate when torque screw or fastener 50 isthreaded into threaded hole 260 of cylindrical nut 258 of cammed lever250.

Collar 270 on its side opposite that of notches 274 defines a curved orrounded surface 276 that matingly receives the dual lobes of head 252.When handle arm 254 of cammed lever 250 is pointing at leastsubstantially vertically downwardly as illustrated in FIG. 9, cammedlever 250 is in its locked or tightened position. In the tightened orlocked position of FIG. 9, larger radius R1 is abutted against curved orrounded surface 276. The larger radius R1 pulls threaded hole 260 ofcylindrical nut 258 away from collar 70, arm 240, ratchet rings 36 and46, and mount 130, pulling handle 52 of torque screw or fastener 50firmly against mount 130, and locking ratchet rings 36 and 46 together.

When the user turns handle arm 254 ninety degrees clockwise in FIG. 9,the dual lobes of head 252 transition from the first, larger radius R1to instead the second, smaller radius R2 being abutted against curved orrounded surface 276. Smaller radius R2 pushes threaded hole 260 ofcylindrical nut 258 towards collar 70, arm 240, ratchet rings 36 and 46,and mount 130, overcoming spring 75 and pushing handle 52 of torquescrew or fastener 50 away from mount 130, so that ratchet rings 36 and46 can be separated, allowing the user to rotate ratchet ring 46 andthus arm 240 relative to mount 130 and stand 20. Cammed lever 250 inthis manner provides support assembly 10 d with a quickdisconnect/reconnect mechanism, which provides the user with mechanicaladvantage via handle arm 254 to quickly, via a ninety degree turn,loosen ratchet rings 36 and 46, reset ratchet ring 46 and arm 240 to anew, desired position, and to quickly, via a reverse ninety degree turn,tighten ratchet rings 36 and 46 together, locking arm 240 in the desiredposition.

The user can alternatively or additionally loosen and tighten ratchetrings 36 and 46 via torque screw or fastener 50 of support assembly 10 das has been described herein. Alternatively, cammed lever 250 in essencereplaces torque screw or fastener 50. Instead, a bolt or threaded rodwith a nut, such as a lock nut, is inserted through aperture 134 ofratchet base 132 b of mount 130 (or aperture 34 of ratchet base 32 b ofmount 30). The bolt or threaded rod extends further through ratchetrings 36 and 46 and arm 40, 140, 240 and into cylindrical nut 258, wherethe bolt or threaded rod mates threadingly with threaded hole 260 of nut258. Here, spring 75 may also be omitted. In any of the cammed lever 250embodiments, collar 270 may be omitted. That is, the cammed dual lobesof head 252 can instead abut directly up against elongated arm 40, 140,240 or against a flat washer located between the cammed dual lobes ofhead 252 and arm 40, 140, 240.

It should be understood that while flat screen devices are one primaryuse for support assemblies 10 a to 10 d, the support assembliesdescribed herein can be used instead with any relatively thin and flatvertical structure. For example, it is expressly contemplated to usesupport assemblies 10 a to 10 c in the workplace with cubicle walls. Inmany instances, cubicle space is at a premium. Support assemblies 10 ato 10 c provide the worker with additional room for books, pictures,plants, supplies, etc.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to thepresently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention andwithout diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intendedthat such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

The invention is claimed as follows:
 1. A support assembly comprising: astand including an underside surface configured to be placed on top of aflat screen device and an upper surface configured to support at leastone object; a mount located on the underside surface of the stand, themount providing at least one hole or groove; a first set of ratchetsincluding at least one extension sized to be inserted into the at leastone hole or groove; an arm presenting a second set of ratchets; and afastener positioned and arranged to connect the arm to the mount,wherein (i) the at least one extension is inserted into the at least onehole or groove and (ii) the first set of ratchets engages the second setof ratchets, setting the arm at an angle so that a free end of the armis able to engage the flat screen device while the stand extends atleast substantially horizontally from the top of the flat screen device.2. The support assembly of claim 1, wherein the stand includes a frontflange that engages a front surface of the flat screen device, while thefree end of the arm engages a rear surface of the flat screen device. 3.The support assembly of claim 1, wherein the second set of ratchets isformed integrally with the arm.
 4. The support assembly of claim 1,wherein at least one of (i) the at least one extension inserted into theat least one hole or groove prevents the first set of ratchets fromrotating relative to the mount, or (ii) the at least one extension isshaped at least substantially the same as the at least one hole orgroove.
 5. The support assembly of claim 1, wherein the mount is formedwith the stand or mounted to the stand.
 6. The support assembly of claim1, which includes a spring located between the mount and the arm to helplock the first set of ratchets to the second set of ratchets.
 7. Thesupport assembly of claim 1, wherein the first set of ratchets and thesecond set of ratchets each include a plurality of radially disposedratchets.
 8. The support assembly of claim 1, wherein the fastener is athreaded fastener.
 9. The support assembly of claim 1, wherein themount, arm and fastener are a first mount, first arm and first fastener,and which includes a second mount located on the underside surface ofthe stand, a second arm, and a second fastener positioned and arrangedto mechanically connect the second arm to the second mount.
 10. Thesupport assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one hole or grooveincludes a plurality of holes or grooves that are radially offset fromone another and the at least one extension includes a plurality ofextensions that are correspondingly radially offset from one another.11. The support assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one hole orgroove is arch-shaped and the at least one extension is correspondinglyarch-shaped.
 12. A support assembly comprising: a stand including anunderside surface for placement on top of a flat screen device and anupper surface for supporting at least one object; a mount located on theunderside surface of the stand, the mount providing at least one hole orgroove; a first set of ratchets including at least one extension sizedto be inserted into the at least one hole or groove; an arm presenting asecond set of ratchets; and a fastener positioned and arranged toconnect the arm to the mount, wherein (i) the at least one extension isinserted into the at least one hole or groove and (ii) the first set ofratchets engages the second set of ratchets, setting the arm at an angleso that a free end of the arm is able to engage the flat screen devicewhile the stand extends from the flat screen device for supporting theat least one object.
 13. The support assembly of claim 12, wherein thesecond set of ratchets is formed integrally with the arm.
 14. A supportassembly comprising: a stand including an underside surface forplacement on top of a flat screen device and an upper surface forsupporting at least one object; at least one mount located on theunderside surface of the stand, the mount providing at least one hole orgroove; a first arm rotatably mounted to the at least one mount; asecond arm rotatably mounted to the at least one mount, wherein at leastone of the first or second arms is able to be mounted to the at leastone mount via at least one extension sized to be inserted into the atleast one hole or groove; and at least one fastener positioned andarranged to connect the first and second arms to the at least one mount,setting the first and second arms at least substantially at a sameangle, so that free ends of the first and second arms are able to engagethe flat screen device while the stand extends from the top of the flatscreen device for supporting the at least one object.
 15. The supportassembly of claim 14, which includes at least one of a first biasingdevice biasing the first arm against the at least one mount or a secondbiasing device biasing the second arm against the at least one mount.16. The support assembly of claim 15, wherein the at least one first orsecond biasing device is at least one of (i) a compression spring or(ii) disposed about a shaft of the at least one fastener.
 17. Thesupport assembly of claim 14, wherein the at least one mount is formedwith the stand or attached to the stand.
 18. The support assembly ofclaim 14, wherein the at least one fastener is a threaded fastener. 19.The support assembly of claim 14, wherein the first and second arms arerotatable independently of one another.
 20. The support assembly ofclaim 14, wherein the at least one mount presents a first set ofratchets and the first arm presents a second set of ratchets that engagewith the first set of ratchets when the first arm is connected to the atleast one mount.
 21. The support assembly of claim 20, wherein at leastone of (i) the first set of ratchets is formed with the at least onemount, (ii) the second set of ratchets is formed with the first arm or(iii) the first set of ratchets presents the at least one extensionsized to be inserted into the at least one hole or groove.
 22. Thesupport assembly of claim 20, wherein the at least one mount presents athird set of ratchets and the second arm presents a fourth set ofratchets that engage with the third set of ratchets when the second armis connected to the at least one mount.
 23. The support assembly ofclaim 22, wherein at least one of (i) the third set of ratchets isformed with the at least one mount or (ii) the fourth set of ratchets isformed with the second arm.